If you’re keen to explore more of Ireland and head to one of the most beautiful regions of the country, then you’re surely curious about the best things to do in Connemara. This rugged region situated mostly in County Galway to the north of Galway City has been a popular pastoral getaway for locals for quite some time, however, few international visitors tend to stray this way at all.
Many foreign visitors in Ireland tend to spend a few days in Dublin before heading on a road trip of the southern coast of the country, culminating in Galway City. While there is certainly nothing wrong with this Ireland itinerary, it does leave a significant amount of the beautiful Emerald Isle unexplored.
The stunning Connemara Peninsula is among the areas left behind. A wild expanse of land on Ireland’s west coast with its own unique ecosystem, it is truly one of the best places to visit in the entire country. Imagine dramatic peaks, miles of peat bogs, and white sand beaches so pristine they could be in the Caribbean: all of this and more is on offer in this fantastic corner in Ireland. There are many things to do in Connemara and it really should be a part of your next Ireland holiday.
When to Visit Connemara
Like the rest of Ireland, Connemara has some variant weather and even in the height of summer, temperatures can be chilly and rainy. However, there are still some times of the year that are better to visit this gorgeous area of Ireland that are better than others.
Unsurprisingly, winters in Connemara will be the coldest months of the year, with shorter days and low temperatures. Expect a lot of rain and may even some snow, with highs landing somewhere around freezing. This is also the least popular season to visit Connemara and you may find that some restaurants and accommodations might be closed, while others might be discounted.
Conversely, the summer months are the warmest and most popular time to head to Connemara. Though you shouldn’t expect every day to be blessed with brilliant sunshine, the months of July and August do tend to be the warmest and driest with average highs hovering around 19°C (66 °F).
Obviously, autumn and spring temperatures are going to fall in between these extremes and you can also expect plenty of wind and rain. Because of the inclement weather patterns no matter what season you choose to visit in, you are going to make sure that you bring a good waterproof and windproof jacket. It is also a great idea to make sure that you find a great pair of shoes to keep your feet warm and dry throughout your trip to Ireland.
How to Get Around Connemara
If you want to be able to get off the beaten path and explore Connemara at your own pace, then I would highly recommend renting a car when you’re visiting this region of Ireland. While there are public buses, they don’t go to more remote locations and they can be infrequent which can make it hard to be flexible and get off the beaten tourist path.
If you do opt to rent a car while in Connemara, we recommend using RentalCars.com in order to find great prices across many car rental companies.
We also recommend taking out an excess policy with iCarHireInsurance. This insurance is necessary whenever renting a car and is much cheaper than buying it through the car hire company.
If you don’t drive, then there are a few day tours of Connemara that can be a good option to make sure that you can see as much of this wonderful area of Ireland as possible. This day tour of Connemara departing from Dublin or this tour that departs from Galway both include a guide, transport and allow you to see some of the best things to do in Connemara in one day.
12 Great Things To Do In Connemara, Ireland
The Connemara region of Ireland is located predominantly in County Galway, just north of Galway city. Less than an hour’s drive from the city will see you in the sparsely populated expanse of nature that few tourists take the time to get to know. These are some of the best things to do in Connemara:
1. Drive the Sky Road
The Sky Road is a twenty-kilometre scenic loop located near Connemara’s biggest town of Clifden. The circular road is considered by many to be one of Ireland’s best drives. On a clear day, the views of the dramatic cliffs, mountains, and seaside scenery are absolutely stunning. Also, despite this being one of the most popular things to do in Connemara, it isn’t nearly as busy as many other tourist attractions on the Emerald Isle.
There are multiple look-out points along the route where you can pull over and gaze at the stunning vistas and even in a busy tourist season (we were there over the Easter holidays) we had absolutely no problem finding a parking space in any of them.
And, though winding, the road quality is very good and wide for a rural street. If you don’t have a car, it is also very much worth walking the Sky Road route and it will arguably be a better experience as you will likely spend more time enjoying the beauty of your surroundings.
2. Explore Clifden
Clifden is the largest town and unofficial capital of the Connemara region. Because of this, it is likely that if you are spending a couple of nights in Connemara that you will end up being based in this charming town. Besides being the jumping-off point for the Sky Road loop, it is worth spending a bit of time exploring Clifden itself.
The town is very picturesque and there are a number of cute shops and convivial pubs to while away the hours in. Most pubs also have live music in the evenings, so it’s a great place if you’re keen to listen to some traditional Irish folk music.
There are also a number of fantastic restaurants in Clifden. Mitchell’s is probably the highest-rated in the town. They serve up fantastic local seafood of great quality in a fairly casual setting. If the dinner prices are a bit too steep, consider heading here for lunch instead. The menu is extensive and the prices are a bit cheaper than in the evening.
Besides the great restaurants, cute shops, and neighbourhood pubs, Clifden is also home to the Clifden Castle which is also very much worth a visit if you’re curious about some of the history of Connemara. Without a doubt, exploring the quaint town of Clifden is one of the best things to do in Connemara.
3. Clifden Castle
If you’re interested in a little bit of history and fancy exploring a beautiful building, then make sure to head to the Clifden Castle, which is, quite understandably, located just outside of the city of Clifden and easily accessible just off of the Sky Road.
Constructed in the early 19th Century, the Clifden Castle is now a ruined manor house that hasn’t been inhabited since 1935 and today it has fallen to ruin. You can pay a visit to the castle free of charge and it is an interesting insight into the history of Ireland spanning the past two centuries.
4. Dog’s Bay Beach
While Ireland may not be the first destination that springs to mind when you’re looking to head to the beach but don’t be hasty to dismiss it. Dog’s Bay beach, located only a few kilometres north of the village of Roundstone, is one of the most beautiful and untouched beaches in Ireland.
The soft white sand and strikingly blue water will make you feel as if you are in the tropics and it’s only when the chilly temperatures hit you will you remember that you’re actually in Ireland.
There is a car park close to the beach, so the amount of walking to get to the beach is minimal. It is, however, remote enough that you very well might get it all to yourself. A visit to Dog’s Bay beach is undoubtedly one of the best things do in Connemara.
5. Kylemore Castle/Abbey
Ireland has no shortage of castles to visit and the Connemara peninsula is no exception. One of the best castles to visit is Kylemore, which is located only about five kilometres east of the village of Letterfrack. Originally built in 1868 by a wealthy businessman and politician, it was turned into an abbey in the 1920s and it is still functioning today.
There are also immaculately kept Victorian walled gardens and a restaurant and tearoom. It is a popular attraction among day-trippers from Galway, so if you would like to visit this castle, is it advisable to arrive a bit earlier in the day in order to avoid the tourist crowds.
A full price entry ticket costs €11.70 for adults and €8.10 for students with a valid ID. It is worth noting that you till save 10% on the ticket price if you book online in advance.
6. Connemara National Park
No visit to the Connemara Peninsula is complete without heading to one of the region’s main attractions: Connemara National Park. Located in the northern part of the region between the lively fishing village of Letterfrack and the city of Clifden, this park is one of six national parks in Ireland.
Entry into the national park is free of charge and there is a visitor’s centre where you can grab trail maps (there are plenty of well-marked trails that are accessible for all kinds of fitness levels). There is also a Tea Room where you can warm up with a cuppa or have a bite to eat after exploring the beautiful surroundings.
Part of the park used to be owned by the Kylemore Abbey and another major part of the part was owned by Richard Martin, also known as Humanity Dick, who is well-known for being the founder of what is today called the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).
Whether you’re looking for a fifteen-minute walk along a paved path or a longer and more strenuous trek through the gorgeous flora of the park, there is no doubt that this is one of the best things to do in Connemara.
7. Letterfrack
If you’re looking for a quintessentially beautiful and charming Irish fishing village that is bursting with character and history, then you cannot go wrong with Letterfrack. This vibrant little village has a unique vibe and a colourful setting that is sure to charm all those who visit.
A popular base amongst tourists, Letterfrack has numerous shops to browse, artists studios to enjoy and a number of convivial pubs to grab a pint in and relax after a long day of exploring. It is also a great place to visit if you’re interested in seeing some great live music. A number of pubs and venues have traditional Irish music most nights and it can be a great alternative destination if you’re looking for a place to stay that is a bit quieter than lively Clifden.
All in all, exploring the village of Letterfrack is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Connemara.
8. Inishbofin Island
If you want to go somewhere unique and interesting, then one of the best places to visit in Connemara is the lovely and rugged Inishbofin Island. Located about 10 kilometres west of the fishing village of Cleggan, you can reach this island via a 30-minute ferry from Cleggan. Home to around 200 people, Inishbofin is also referred to as “the island of the white cow.”
The scenery on this island is absolutely stunning and there are a number of walking trails that you can take to get the best views of the island, the Atlantic Ocean and the mainland to the east. There are lots of unique flora and fauna to take in along with a number of historic sites and ruins to see, as well.
Because of its far-flung nature, Inishbofin isn’t explored too much by tourists and it can be a great destination to head to if you’re looking to get a little bit off the beaten path in Connemara. Regardless of this matters to you or not, there is no denying that a visit to this beautiful island is one of the best things to do in Connemara.
9. Cong
Located in the eastern part of the Connemara region in County Mayo is the charming village of Cong, which is most notable as the filming location of the 1952 movie The Quiet Man.
Though this film was released nearly seventy years ago, the town is still drawing fans of the John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara movie to this day.
There is a statue depicting a scene from the movie, a number of souvenir shops dedicated to paraphernalia and you can even walk to the famous “Quiet Man Bridge” and recreate scenes from the movie for yourself.
The village itself is very charming and picturesque and if you’re a fan of Hollywood’s Golden Age then a visit to Cong is one of the best things to do in Connemara.
10. Go Hiking
Connemara is one of the most mountainous regions in the country, and with that comes some amazing hiking opportunities. The peninsula is home to the Twelve Bens, which are some of the highest peaks in Ireland. If you’re up for a challenge, it can be well worth it to try and summit one of these peaks while visiting Connemara.
If you don’t care to go on such a vigorous hike but are still keen to ramble along in the pristine natural surroundings, there are countless hikes and walks to choose from for any ability level. One of the best things to do in Connemara is to go experience the scenery on your own two feet, and hiking is one of the best ways to do this.
11. Pony Trekking
If you love horses and hiking isn’t really your thing, then Connemara is an excellent region to go pony trekking. There is a great history of horses and ponies in Connemara and there are a number of places within the region that you can do this. Opt for a horse riding tour along the coast and experience some of the most beautiful beaches that most people can’t easily reach by car.
12. Visit the Connemara Smokehouse
Ireland hasn’t particularly been known for its cuisine but that, however, is quickly changing. As inventive Irish chefs are reclaiming their routes and reimaging traditional Irish cuisine, local produce has flourished as a newfound passion for locally sourced food has been encouraged.
One of the best examples of this is the Connemara Smokehouse in Ballyconneely, where some of the top restaurants in Ireland source their smoked fish. You can visit the factory and purchase freshly cured and smoked fish directly from the source and it is truly some of the best smoked fish that I have ever tasted. If you want to taste some traditional Irish produce at its source, then a visit here is one of the best things to do in Connemara.
Where to Stay in Connemara
Connemara isn’t the most popular place to visit in Ireland, however, there are still a number of quaint B&Bs and hotels to choose from located all around the region. Staying in the town of Clifden is most popular, however, there are some good options in other areas, as well. Here is where we recommend staying in Connemara:
Island View B&B — Located in the small seaside village of Roundstone this bed and breakfast is the perfect base to explore all that Connemara had to offer. Run by a hospitable and friendly couple, the breakfast is good and filling and the rooms are clean and comfortable. This is absolutely one of the best places to stay in Connemara. Click here to see their latest prices
Sharamore House B&B — Located in Clifden, this bed and breakfast is a great option if you want to be situated in Connemara’s “capital.” They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available, a hearty breakfast in the morning and are within walking distance of most things within Clifden. Click here to check their latest prices
Private Rental – There are a number of options in Connemara such as this lovely restored barn on the beach or this traditional cottage located in the beautiful Irish countryside. Click here to see the best private rentals in Connemara!
Not what you’re looking for? Click here to browse hotels in Connemara!
There are a number of great things to do in Connemara and it is very much worth adding this naturally stunning region to your Ireland itinerary.
Are you planning a visit to Connemara? Have you been? Let us know in the comments!
What about the other beautiful half of Connemara?? Don’t forget south Connemara when you come to visit!!
We will have to add it to the list next time we visit! Thanks for the suggestion 🙂